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PICAYU; ITEM 31 May 1 lA>2
FIRST IN THE BUFFER ZONE—The home of Mr. and Mrs. Elvie Dakes Roberson was involved in the initial transaction by the Corps <^f Engineers in the buffer zon* for the Mississippi Test Facility. The government paia $19,500 for the house and improvements and 21.90 acres in the buffer zone and $500 for 3.90 acres in the actual test area.	(item	photo)
EDITORIAL PICAYUNE ITEM 31 May 62
Owners Act Restrained, Commendable
The movement which began at Bay St. Louis this week l>y landowners to act in concert and unison in trying for lair priccs lor their lat.d in the Mississippi U.->1 site area Is an extremely important and far-reaching action that will be watched closely.
The leaders are important and substantial citizen'; whose judgement is respcc^jp in Pearl River and Hancock counties. Their experiences, together witih others recounted at the Boa:d of Supervisor meeting indicates there is considerable discontent in the land buying program.
Uneven and varying appraisals, and some unexplained low offers have combined with inflated prices outside tin-test and buffer zones to alarm the people who arc some, to have to make some kind of deal with the government eventually.
The meeting was restrained and temperate as the whole action should be. The idea of forming an information, not ■i pressure, group is of course commendable. This is not a time for hot blood or intemperate action. This is not necessary since landowners are dealing with responsible and highly respected government bodies, and have able senator* and congressmen to help when then' appears to be in;::.-:;.r<-Despile some remarks there, the government is not goinji :o deal ai gunpoint.
And of course the courts are open for all those dissatisfied with the final offers. We believe, that the government will recognize this anguished appeal from good law-abiding American citizens who are yielding in good grace to the demands of the space race, asking only fair treatment by their government. This, we are sure, they will have.
Roberson Sites i Sold iF^or $20^000 To Government
fr* Vv v Tiie United Statei:Corps'ol
Engineers, assignedpto‘y<>btain land for NASA in th« Mississippi test site area, • last week concluded a fairly large «nd important deal with-Mr. and Mrs. Elvie Dakes Roberson for their home and land on Highway 43 south, about eight mile* from Picayune.
The government paid tS&e Rot ersons $20,000 for two K?eas o' land, one of 3.90 acres withii the actual test site, and th< other of 21.90 acres lying ir the buffer zone. This wars tb< first acquisition of land wlithli the buffer zone by the govern ment.
The government paid $19,50< for the house and improve ments and 21.90 acres in tb< buffer zone, and $500 for tht 3.90 acres in the test site. Th< former can be occupied unti December 31, 1963 while the lat er must be turned over on Jul; 31, 1962. This occupancy cai be revoked and terminated oi thirty days notice.
The Robersons can mov' cheir house and other improve ments on the property, prwic mg they take it outside tb test area before giving up ter ancy. If no move is made be fore they leave the land, thi right lapses.
The Robersons’ land, whic straddles the fee-buffer lin< lies just south of the Turtl< skin cemetery and Corinth Ba; tist church, being the firs house on the east south of tr church. No timber was inclu ed in Che sale which was r corded In the Hancock Count last week.